The immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu, has officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the Labour Party (LP).
Chukwu announced his defection on Saturday at his hometown in Nkporo, where a large crowd of supporters and political allies gathered to witness what he described as the start of “a new political chapter.”
“All Nkporo people are here today,” he declared during the event.
“The implication is that Nkporo is now in the Labour Party. PDP in Abia State has closed shop as from today.”
Explaining his decision to join the LP, Chukwu lauded the performance of Governor Alex Otti, describing his leadership style as sincere and people-centered.
“You have treated governance as a personal mission,” he told the governor.
“You’ve done well. Today, we can say with pride that we are truly Abians.”
Governor Otti, who was present to welcome the former deputy governor, described Chukwu as a principled man and praised his boldness in making the move.
“You’re a man who deserves respect, and you’ll get it here,” the governor said, assuring that key infrastructure projects in Nkporo, including the already awarded road project, would receive the same attention as those in major cities like Aba and Umuahia.
The defection of Chukwu has triggered a ripple effect.
The Labour Party’s state chairman, Sir Emmanuel Otti, hailed the development as a political awakening for the state, emphasizing that it would open doors to fresh opportunities and greater development for Nkporo and surrounding communities.
The Ohafia Local Government LP chairman, Godwin Kalu echoed similar sentiments, stressing the party’s commitment to unity and progress.
In a dramatic twist, the PDP chairman of Ohafia LGA, Egesi Eze Azu, also announced his defection alongside Chukwu.
Chukwu had resigned from the PDP several weeks earlier, citing “personal reasons,” though many had speculated that his next political move was imminent.
